Which radiator cools best?

[Alaska Mike]

Replacing the radiator on my 31 coupe. Vendors show a 3 row, 8 fins per inch or a 2 row, 6 fins per inch, dimpled fins. Anyone have an recommendations or experience with either one?

[Mitch//pa]

ck bergs 10 per inch great quality and fit
do a search and read previous threads
http://www.bergsradiator.com/modela.html

[Tom Wesenberg]

I would never go with a two row radiator. That's what came on my 29 Tudor when I bought it, and it can't flow the coolant fast enough, so it goes out the overflow and overheats.

As Mitch said, Berg's has the best since you can use your original tanks and side mounts for a perfect fit.

The swap meet at Grand Rapids, MN had a mint just recored 29 radiator for $300, but I didn't need it, so I left it.

[oldwoodsman]

"The swap meet at Grand Rapids, MN had a mint just recored 29 radiator for $300, but I didn't need it, so I left it."

Tom, I bought it and installed, its cooling great.

[ford3]

the more cores and the more fins per inch the better the radiator will cool the engine

[Marvin/TN]

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But only to a point than air flow is impeaded so heat transfer can't happen.

[H. L. Chauvin]

Hi Mike,

All of the above are great comments & one way to remember same, as mentioned above, is that "weight" is something to consider with all metal fabrication in lieu of just "cost":

As mentioned above, the Model A radiators that are designed to provide the coolant's full flow with enough tubes & also provided with enough cooling fins to resemble the originals, are the ones which will perform better for cooling.

One way to judge most metal fabrication is that all metals including copper, stainless steel, silver, gold & even steel beams are mostly always sold by "weight".

Hence, in fabricating anything with one particular metal, (sold by "weight"), cheaper metal products can be designed with this one particular metal & sold for less because of less with "weight" used with this one particular metal.

For example, even with dynamite type salesmanship, radiator manufacturers are fully aware that with less tubes, less fins, & less "weight", not only is there less "cost", but less "cooling".

After the sale does anyone think they care -- similar to manufacturers selling "sugar free" products loaded with "corn syrup" which is far more fattening than sugar for most individuals; but, it sells & about 90% of America never catches on -- & it is still "weight" related. LOL

[stewwolfe]

I love my Berg's heavy duty radiator!

[Ed Wendell]

Mike,
Welcome to Ford Barn. You will find a wealth of information here.
Just had to respond when I saw Centerville, Iowa. My grandparents had a small farm on North 18th St, north of Haynes, before the highway reroute and 18th was dirt/gravel. Where the strip mall is north of the Chevy dealer. My uncle ran the interurban trolley for the ISU.
Will your car be in the parade for Pancake Day?
Take care,
Ed